Steelcase Education introduces new active learning solution

Rethinking the classroom environment to improve student success

DUBAI, 07 October 2015 – Steelcase Education launches an adaptable, table-based collection of classroom furniture, named Verb™. The new design is based on insights that suggest inflexible classroom layouts with rows of stationary desks have not only hindered mobility, but also engagement in classrooms, which negatively impacts student academic success.

Steelcase Education research shows that instructors are introducing new pedagogies, mixing team projects and group discussion with lecture and small group collaboration, all within one period. While the use of lecture mode is decreasing, class discussions and group learning are rising. But classrooms aren’t equipped for evolving teaching methods.

“The 21st century classroom needs to be a more flexible environment that helps students become engaged in their own learning journey,” said Sean Corcorran, General Manager of Steelcase Education. “Verb gives students permission to share, build ideas and quickly transition among learning modes. At the same time, teachers can instruct from different positions in the room and seamlessly transition from lecture, to group discussion and test mode. With a more flexible classroom, students are more engaged with the content and with each other, and more likely to be successful.” 

The Word on Verb
Verb creates an integrated, table-based learning space with personal-sized, one-of-a-kind whiteboards throughout the classroom for instantaneous collaboration. The easy-to-access whiteboards provide a note-taking surface for students during group projects. They address an unspoken need: instead of huddling around a piece of paper, students write on what becomes an instant display board when sharing in front of their classmates. In addition, the whiteboards serve as space dividers during test time to ensure privacy. The whiteboards are made of e3 ceramicsteel™, a patented material that’s ultra-smooth, prevents ghosting and is virtually indestructible.

The three other components of Verb include:
• Instructor station. This unit provides easy access to storage and an adjustable lectern, which rotates 360-degrees in two directions to accommodate standing and perching postures during instruction. A work zone and collaborative zone support other instruction needs. Casters allow instructors to quickly, easily and orderly adjust to different learning modes during class time.

• Student tables. Unique chevron shaped tables enhance sightlines, so students can see each other, the instructor and presenters, in every mode. Collaborative tools are supported right at the table, while transitions among learning modes are easy with standard casters.

• Board display. The easel allows for effective display, storage and presentation of the whiteboards, wherever collaboration might occur in the classroom. A durable wall track and hooks provide even more options for presentations.

Promoting student engagement and active learning Verb facilitates a highly adaptive learning environment to accommodate any teaching style. New data released from Steelcase Education reaffirms the positive correlation between college students’ engagement, their perceptions of academic success, and a classroom intentionally designed for active learning. “In the Middle East, there is a gradual shift towards the integration of more interactive learning approaches, such as collaborative learning as institutions are rethinking their learning environments. Some emerging trends we’ve noticed in the space of education design include large classrooms, blended learning classrooms and maker spaces,” adds Andy Morris, Head of Sales, Middle East, Steelcase.